School Counselor (K-12) Candidate Pool

Howard County Public School System; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Maryland State Retirement Agency pension plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Howard County Public School System is seeking a School Counselor to promote student success and implement a comprehensive counseling program. The role requires collaboration with school administration, effective communication, and the ability to work with diverse populations.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree and Maryland certification, along with a strong foundation in counseling principles. The position offers competitive salary based on a teacher salary scale, with additional benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in education.
• Maryland State certification required for School Counselor.
• Three years of counseling or teaching experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Promote student success through a comprehensive counseling program.
• Develop data-driven counseling strategies that align with school needs.
• Support IEP meetings and provide preventative and responsive services.

Skills

Excellent oral, written, speaking, and analytical skills

Ability to work with culturally diverse populations

Outstanding human relations skills

Knowledge of growth and developmental stages

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

Maryland State Department of Education certification

Job description

Job Summary

Under the direction of the school principal and the Coordinator of School Counseling, School Counselors promote student success, provide preventive services, and respond to identified student needs by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses academic, career, and social/emotional development for all students.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in an applicable field of education.
• Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) certification: School Counselor or Guidance Counselor.
• Knowledge of national, state, and local school counseling standards and adherence to professional and ethical standards of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA).
• Ability to plan, develop, and deliver effective school counseling services.
• Knowledge of growth and developmental stages for child and adolescent development.
• Excellent oral, written, speaking, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work with culturally diverse populations and maintain confidential information.
• Outstanding human relations skills and leadership in working with all stakeholders within the school and community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three previous years of teaching or school counseling experience.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with school administration to develop comprehensive, data‑driven counseling programs that meet student and group needs.
• Annually develop strategies and goals to guide the effective implementation of the counseling program aligned to district expectations, State School Counseling Curriculum Standards, and informed by current individual school data.
• Communicate program goals to administrators, teachers, students, parents, and community/business leaders and maintain current resources for stakeholders.
• Provide direct services through the counseling curriculum, individual student planning, and preventive and responsive services.
• Support school and district collaborative processes, including IEP meetings, School Support Teams, Instructional Intervention Teams, and 504 services.
• Implement developmentally appropriate and prevention‑oriented group activities and incorporate life skills needed for post‑high‑school success.
• Monitor academic performance, behavior, and attendance to assist students in developing academic, career, and social‑emotional goals.
• Interpret and utilize student data to facilitate data‑driven interventions and counseling strategies (individual, group, classroom, school‑wide).
• Consult and collaborate with parents, teachers, administrators, and community resources regarding student concerns and needs.
• Implement an effective referral and follow‑up process as needed and use assessment procedures for structuring counseling services.
• Assist teachers and stakeholders in interpreting student data and participate in professional development activities.
• Employ technology resources to enhance the counseling program and adhere to laws, policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
• Measure program results, share findings with stakeholders, and use data to inform program improvement.
• Establish respectful relationships with administrators, curricular staff, colleagues, students, families, and the community, demonstrating recognition and respect for every individual.
• Appraise personal effectiveness and demonstrate successful application of skills to increase effectiveness.
• Participate in school operations, staff meetings, district professional learning, events, and serve on committees as required.

Selection Criteria

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will focus on candidates who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education that closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.

Employment Information

Compensation: 10‑ or 11‑month per year positions in the Howard County Educators Association (HCEA) unit with salary according to the 10‑Month or 11‑Month Teacher salary scale. The position is exempt from overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Elementary and Middle School placements use the 10‑Month teacher scale; High School placements use the 11‑Month teacher scale.

Benefits: HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan (7% contribution) and other negotiated benefits such as paid time off.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted; employees must provide references from current and recent supervisors. All employees must be fingerprinted, complete a criminal background investigation, and pass the Maryland Employment History Review. Some positions may require a physical examination and/or drug testing. Employees must provide identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E‑Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.

Equal Opportunity Employer

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [e-mail]. HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. Employment decisions are based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.